LIVERPOOL 1-1 CHELSEA

Dirk Kuyt scored for Liverpool, but Riise scores a last minute own goal to give Chelsea an away goal advantage.

As was expected, the match started very tight and close. Neither team wanting to rick too much in the opening stages.

Chelsea looked to be the more effective as the game got going. Didier Drogba had a penalty shout turned down, when Carragher tangled with him, but as the Merseysiders gained momentum their confidence grew.

Fernando Torres had the best chance in the 31st minute, Gerrard slipped him through one-on-one with Petr Cech on the left side of the penalty area. But the Spaniard’s shot was blocked well by the Czech international.

Just before half time, Liverpool made the breakthrough. Lampard was caught dwelling deep in the Chelsea half, the ball came to Mascherano who looked to miskick the ball which looped into the box. Makelele failed to clear the ball and Dirk Kuyt was on hand to hit through Cech’s legs for his 7th Champions League goal of the season.

The second half saw Liverpool pick up where they left off. Torres always looked a threat, as did Babel. Drogba wasn’t getting much change alone up front, but Liverpool didn’t extend their lead.

As the game progressed to the latter stages, Chelsea found their feet and were on the offensive. It looked as though Liverpool would hold on, until in the last minute of injury time when Riise bent to head away a Kalou cross. Intended to go out for a corner, Riise somehow directed the ball into his own net and Chelsea were level.